A new book, Bridges of Memory, was launched on Dec. 2, showcasing the work of 12 students from a Creative Writing class led by Prof. Oscar Gutierrez Peñaranda. The collection includes poems, short stories, and memoirs, each reflecting the personal experiences and creative expressions of the authors.
Mario Torrento, an entrepreneur from Iloilo, shared that writing memoirs and poems led him to “relook at my learning in life.” Rudy Fernandez, a banker sidelined from his career due to illness, said his poem “Letter to the World” aims to offer hope to readers, both young and old, amid chaos and confusion.
The class, a six-week hybrid course, involved four-hour sessions focused on lectures, research, homework, and peer critiques. The book is dedicated to Mrs. Felicidad T. Sy, the matriarch of the Sy family, for founding Sunshine Place, a creative haven for seniors.
The launch event featured Prof. Butch Dalisay and Dr. Vim Nadera as guests of honor. Dalisay described the collection as “profound and moving,” while Nadera called it an expressive arts therapy in his introduction to the book.
At the event, several authors read their work, including Len Fernandez, who presented “The Witching Hour,” Dada Trillo with “Sprinklings of Dawn,” and Vicky Lopez, who shared her poem “The Wounded Sparrow” via video from San Francisco. Arlene Gonzales read from “Being Almost Charlene,” and Melanie Lago read excerpts from “Dayuhan Siya.”
An intermission performance featured a Beatles song, “In My Life,” by Luigi Lago, the son of one of the book’s authors, Melanie Lago. Lizanne Uychaco, Executive Vice President of SM Investments Corp. and President of Sunshine Place, delivered an inspirational message, encouraging attendees to “open up a window of their lives” and share their lessons with others.
In a video message, Prof. Oscar Peñaranda congratulated the authors for “opening up the windows of their souls” through their writing.